Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can transform the space. Finding a fireplace surround that matches your interior style is not always easy.

Brick can be used in modern, rustic, or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a budget since it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture as it serves as a focal point to the room, and it also helps break up walls that would otherwise be empty. In addition, a wooden fireplaces surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands and can be easily taken down after the holidays.

When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it is essential to choose one that matches the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes that match any style from contemporary to traditional. There are a variety of designs and sizes to choose from. For instance certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style and is flush with the wall, while others are designed to act as a mantel and are positioned to be a distance away from it.

Oak is the most popular wood for fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and beautiful. It is a dense, solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damage.

Oak veneers and pine are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both materials are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth as well as back panels. These can be purchased from numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.

It is important to remember that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. This distance is determined in accordance with the fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes, regulations and laws for your area.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a fantastic way to add an inviting and rustic style to your home. Not only does it blend into your interior design style but it can also increase the value of your home. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace can help you sell your home faster and for an increased price.

You can choose from a wide range of stones for your fireplace's surround. They include granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally, they are often cheaper than wood.

While natural stone may be slightly more expensive than other materials, it comes with an exceptional level of durability and beauty that makes it worth the cost. You can choose from a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your room. You can even choose to have your fireplace's surround built with natural stone, making it a one-of-a-kind design element.

Stone surrounds are ideal for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and they aren't warped or cracked when exposed to heat. They also resist stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for example is among the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the house.

A stone fireplace surround can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can hold household dirt. It is important to keep your fireplace clean to prevent any accumulation that could result in the risk of a fire or health issue.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that transforms any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in a variety of styles from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room while bringing harmony between different zones.

In contrast to other materials, marble is impervious to heat, meaning it doesn't change color or become warped as the fire gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you can find the perfect design to suit your taste.

If you're considering a marble fireplace you'll need to select a color that complements other elements of design in the room. White marble is a popular option for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant style. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more comfortable styles.

If you decide to go with a marble fireplace be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also necessary to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are marble cleaning products available on the market. But, you must test them first in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble for those who don't want to commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which helps keep the space around the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall and harm its surface.

Your clients can choose from a range of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look think about black and silvery white swirls that can complement the geometric form of a modern-designed gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning fireplace place can create a focal point on the wall of the traditional space.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic aesthetic for any home. It comes in a variety of colors, including light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and is able to resist the smoke of burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to avoid staining and water penetration.

If your clients want a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey, and blue. This granite looks amazing next to a glowing fire, and is easy to clean and keep looking stunning.

Granite is a solid rock that's formed by magma. It naturally possesses exceptional durability and strength. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's very difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is a crucial element that allows granite structures to last for a long time.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is a great addition to any home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and goes with many different types of decor. It can be used on its own or combine it with other materials like wood for a classic appearance.

A metal surround is useful in reducing draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that are gas-powered.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that add an element of contrast to the room. The kind of steel you select will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you've chosen for your space.

Some surrounds made of steel include mantels that can be used to display decorative items like vases or plants. The design of the mantel can vary however, most have a simple design or a step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.

You can also install an only a surround, with or without a mantel. This is usually cheaper and is suitable in smaller spaces where a huge surround could be too large for the space.

When installing a new surround, it is crucial to consider the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround extends no further than the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible material as your surround, you'll have to consider the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence. A professional can help you on this.